Landscape Architecture

Landscape architects design for landscape and community sustainability, solve practical issues — from soil to water to poverty — and combine qualitative analysis with the design process. The ultimate goal: creating a vision for the future.

By the numbers1

Only professionally-accredited landscape architecture and environmental design program in West Virginia

Overview

What is Landscape Architecture at WVU like?

Description

Landscape Architecture is a design and planning profession that applies both art and science to achieve the best use of land. Landscape architects design the setting for a variety of land uses ranging from residential to industrial development, while providing stewardship of the natural environment. The profession has a special commitment to improving the quality of urban and rural life.

Students acquire artistic and computer graphic skills, study design theory and site engineering and apply the knowledge to a series of environmental design projects.

Only professionally-accredited landscape architecture and environmental design program in West Virginia.

Because of the Davis College’s diverse range of disciplines, studios are integrated with spaces that facilitate interdisciplinary, collaborative learning, making it unlike any other landscape architecture program.

Rankings

What is Landscape Architecture at WVU ranked?

Ranked4

Ranked19

Most Popular Landscape Architecture program in the nation (College Factual)

Careers

What can you do with this degree?

Approximately 10 percent of students pursue graduate school for advanced degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning and geographic information systems.

Many students are hired by small design build companies and city, regional planning and recreation and parks agencies.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Landscape Architecture major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Bright Outlook

Green Occupation

Requires a Graduate Degree

Agricultural Technicians

Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments.
Possible job titles for this career include: Agricultural Research Technician.

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Possible job titles for this career include: Coastal and Estuary Specialist.

Landscape Architects

Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Possible job titles for this career include: Director of Landscape Architecture and Planning.

Urban and Regional Planners

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Possible job titles for this career include: Community Development Planner.

Courses

What are the courses like in Landscape Architecture at WVU?

Major Map

For a program overview, learning goals and course descriptions, visit the course catalog.

Popular Courses

LARC 212:History of Landscape Architecture

A broad survey of the history of the designed human environment with emphasis on the development of landscape architecture. (Does not fulfill Cluster A for landscape architecture students.)

LARC 465:Regional Design

Consideration of regional landscapes in order to effectively relate design to the ecology and development of a region.

LARC 466:Introduction to Urban Design Issues

Community analysis methods, city and small town planning and management of community growth. The course focus is on understanding community and urban design issues and growth management. (Offered in fall of odd years.)

Cost and Aid

How much does Landscape Architecture at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2018-19 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Ways to Save

Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design may qualify for merit-based scholarships based on GPA and SAT/ACT test score. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

Geography opens worlds of discovery. You’ll learn to analyze the variation of human activity that exists among places, regions and countries, and examine the relationship between the natural environment and human activities.

Our immersive art experience combines a small studio environment with the resources of a major research university. You’ll get the skills, theory and aesthetic practice you’ll need for a career in the ever-evolving field of graphic design.

Where is WVU?

West Virginia University located in Morgantown, is located about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Close to D.C., Cleveland, and New York City, too. Fill in your address below to find out how close WVU is to you.